Since the first '100 Men' chapter launched in Halifax in 2014, local groups have sprung up in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia.

In Kelowna, the organization's 349 members meet once every quarter, when they are expected to show up with a $100 donation.

The meetings officially run from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., during which time the men listen to presentations from three charities, and then vote on which one they think most deserves the donations raised that night.

Before the formal part of the meeting begins, there's an hour set aside for registration, networking and buying drinks at the cash bar. And afterwards, there's a "post-event reception" at the bar.

The men involved, who include the city's mayor and a local MP, say it's an opportunity to give back and meet like-minded people.

"This is worrying," Ilya Park, a women's studies professor at the University of British Columbia's Okanagan Campus told CTV Vancouver. "It sends an important message about the vision they have of the future of this community."

It's not the first time a local group has been criticized for excluding women.

Until early January, the local Junior Chamber of Commerce, or Kelowna Jaycees, did not allow women either.

"Women are being excluded in an ongoing kind of systemic fashion," Park said.

While 100 Men Who Give a Damn declined an interview, a statement from the group's co-founder says the group's purpose is to give back, not to create a men's-only social club.

"The focus of the 100 Men Who Give a Damn group is not meant to be a business or networking one but instead, about doing something good for our community," Brett Millard said.

And the Kelowna chapter's website recommends women who want to get involved check out a similar organization geared towards them.

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